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The Alps is one of Italy's main mountain ranges, serving as the country's northern border with Austria, France and Switzerland. The Alps are divided into three sections. The Occidentali is the western section of the Alps separating France from Italy. The Centrali lie just north of Milan on the Switzerland border. The Orientali border Austria and Slovakia on the east. The Dolomites include 18 mountain peaks located in the northeastern Alps. The highest mountain in the Italian Alps is Monte Bianco at 15,770 feet.

The Apennines is the mountain chain that starts at northwest Italy and runs down the length of the country, through the toe of the boot and ends on the island of Sicily. On either side of the Apennines is lush lowlands at the east and west coasts of the country. Just north of the Apennines and south of the Alps lies the Po Valley. The mountain ranges contain many volcanoes, some of which are still active. For instance, Vesuvius is located by Naples on the southwest side of Italy. Although it is the only active mainland volcano, Mount Etna on Sicily is one of the largest.